Executive Board Meeting of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF) Held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

1 June 2025 : According to the Public Relations Office of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF), a meeting of the Executive Board of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF) was held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, with the participation of distinguished guests, including Dr. Manaf Hashemi, Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Dr. Bathaei, Deputy Minister of Interior and Chairman of the IZSF Education and Research Committee. The purpose of the meeting was to review the current status of the Federation and determine the next steps for the promotion and global development of this authentic Iranian sport.

At the opening of the meeting, Dr. Mehralizadeh, President of IZSF, expressed his appreciation to Mr. Suleiman Abdulvahidov, Vice President of the Federation, for hosting the event. He also thanked Dr. Donyamali, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth of Iran, for his continued support, stating that the presence of the Deputy Minister reflected the strong commitment of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implementing the vision of the Supreme Leader (May His Shadow Be Prolonged) regarding the internationalisation of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani.

Dr. Mehralizadeh further designated 2025 as the year of planning for the "Second Phase of the Globalisation of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani", emphasising the importance of utilising scientific, academic, and professional capacities to enhance the quality of the Federation's programmes and expand its membership worldwide.

Dr. Manaf Hashemi thanked the Government and people of Tajikistan for their warm hospitality and highlighted the country's important role in preserving the shared cultural heritage of Iran and Tajikistan in the field of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani. He reaffirmed the full support of the Ministry of Sports and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran for IZSF and stressed the importance of utilising the capacities of the National Olympic Committee to strengthen the Federation's international standing. Among his key proposals was the establishment of an International Scientific Centre for Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani.

Dr. Bathaei, Deputy Minister of Interior and Chairman of the IZSF Education and Research Committee, presented a report on the committee's activities. He noted that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, educational programmes had continued online and that comprehensive in-person educational initiatives would be implemented with greater strength during the current year. He also highlighted plans for coaching and instructor education, scientific congresses, and the establishment of dedicated clubs for supporters, coaches, referees, and athletes.

Dr. Rouhi, Acting Secretary General of IZSF, also expressed her appreciation to the hosts in Tajikistan and presented a report on the activities of the Federation's committees during 2025. Her report covered updates to the Federation's regulations, the organisation of knowledge-enhancement programmes, expansion of membership through National Olympic Committee (NOC) recognition, and strategic planning for participation in international competitions. She also proposed the organisation of the Nowruz Cup of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani.

During the meeting, Mr. Dolatshah (Treasurer), Mr. Abdulvahidov (Vice President), and Mr. Anvarkhan Jack Dalk, Deputy of the Federation, also shared their views and recommendations regarding the Federation's ongoing activities and future development plans.

Key Resolutions Adopted at the Meeting

• Organising the International Congress on Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani in December 2025 in Tehran in cooperation with universities.

• Establishing the IZSF Coaches, Referees and Athletes Club.

• Launching the International Scientific and Research Centre for Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani.

• Organising the Continental Youth Championships in 2026.

• Holding the International Koshti Pahlavani Championships in 2026.

• Proposing the registration of the World Day of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani with UNESCO.

• Upgrading the membership status of national federations recognised by their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and expanding the Federation's global membership.

• Developing a comprehensive short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategy to secure the participation of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani teams in Asian and international competitions.

• Organising the Nowruz Cup of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani during the Nowruz celebrations of 2026.